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DeKalb video arcade celebrates 32 years in business

Jan. 17, 2017

Star Worlds Arcade in DeKalb celebrated its 32nd anniversary of video game and pinball fun on Jan. 11.

Owner Patrick O’Malley opened the business with his parents while still in his early teen years. O’Malley maintains a vast collection of classic video game and pinball machines and prides himself on providing a unique environment for young and old alike.

Inducted into the Twin Galaxies International Registry of Historic Video Game Arcades, Star Worlds stands out as one of the last remaining neighborhood arcade that has survived since the 1980s.

While there are an ever-changing number of games at the venue, the selection is not limited to the ’80s. Games include Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, pinball games, The House of the Dead, Dance Dance Revolution, Pop’n Music, and more.

Walter Day, founder of the international video game high score organization Twin Galaxies, has high praises for O’Malley. Day has included the arcade owner in his series of video game trading cards dubbing O’Malley as “Keeper of the Flame” for his contributions to the video game culture. Day also has been at the Star Worlds venue several times to honor game players as well as industry leaders such as Eugene Jarvis and Larry DeMar, creators of such games as Defender, Stargate and Robotron:2084, and pinball designer Steve Kordek, to name a few.

Day will return this weekend to celebrate the beginning of Star Worlds Arcade’s 33rd year. Day also will present Brandon Holland of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Pat Tortorelli of Champaign, and Ken Gage of Cary with commemorative trading cards for their accomplishments in video gaming. Joining Day will be video game designer, artist and animator Brian Colin.

For information about this entertainment venue, visit starworldsarcade.com or stop by the arcade at 1234 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.